Upcycling Ideas: Solutions to Imperfect Produce

Is there anything better than finding good uses for things that would otherwise go to waste? This is the beauty of upcycling, a practice that’s quickly becoming a movement, especially when it comes to making the most of surplus food and feeding those in need. Here’s a closer look at this forward-thinking food trend.

What Is Upcycling?

Upcycling is a process that repurposes items traditionally considered waste. Whether it’s using old bicycle parts to create a beautiful work of art, organizing a drawer using paper towel rolls, or finding good uses for surplus or unattractive food, upcycling demonstrates that a little creativity can go a long way when it comes to diminishing our waste on a global scale.

Upcycling Ideas for Kids

Teaching children the genius behind upcycling will help them not only understand the importance of taking a conscientious approach to waste, but also have a whole lot of fun in the process. Looking for ideas? Here are some of our favorite raw materials for upcycling crafting:

Paper towel or toilet paper rolls: Great for making rocket ships, castles, or napkin rings.

Egg cartons: Add some pipe cleaner antennas for bug-making fun.

Plastic bottles: Cut them in half, decorate, and use as colorful planters.

Old magazines: Compile clippings and introduce the kids to decoupage.

The Difference Between Upcycling and Recycling

While the names may be similar, upcycling and recycling are not the same thing. Recycling breaks down items to be reused—paper, aluminum, plastic, or glass is shredded, smashed or melted to be recast into new items.

Upcycling, on the other hand, focuses on repurposing items that might otherwise head to the dumpster. For example, upcycling food can result in transforming unwanted produce (tossed aside for its less-than-perfect appearance but not its freshness) into delicious recipes. Or it can mean finding ways to use surplus food and produce to feed those in need.

Imperfect Produce Waste Statistics

Trying to meet arbitrary cosmetic standards isn’t just an issue for people, it’s also a problem for produce! Up to 40% of the nation’s produce waste is simply due to exterior imperfections (like size, shape, or minor bruising). That’s roughly $165 billion in produce every year. Instead of feeding a family in need or acting as a nutrient-rich ingredient in your next recipe, this wasted produce is left to rot in landfills. Thankfully, many food waste programs are recognizing this untapped food source and working to redirect this not-so-perfect produce to where it can be put to good use.

Where to Find Imperfect Produce & Help With Food Waste

Whether unattractive or in abundance, all delicious produce deserves to be enjoyed. Here are some companies that are leading the way when it comes fighting food waste.

“Ugly” but only on the outside, this company sources less-than-attractive produce that would otherwise be left behind (or tossed in a landfill) and delivers it to your door at up to 50% less than you would pay at the grocery store.

The country’s first community kitchen, DC Central Kitchen works to fight hunger and train jobless adults for culinary careers by preparing 3 million meals for homeless shelters, schools, and nonprofits every year. The organization also successfully prevents the waste of millions of pounds of nourishing food.

With more than 192 chapters over 42 states, this student-led movement has prevented the waste of more than 1,300,000 pounds of food since 2011.

Imperfect Produce Recipes

These recipes deliver big flavor no matter if they’re made with “ugly” imperfect produce or the best market finds (we promise, no one will know the difference). Put your unique fruits and veggies to good use, and get cooking.

We go to pieces for just about any crumble recipe, and this plant-based rendition is no exception. Top apples with coconut sugar, maple syrup, and gluten-free cranberry granola and then leave it to bake in a cast-iron skillet.

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Few tools are as important in the kitchen as a good knife. Without one, chopping, slicing, and julienning ingredients would be virtually impossible. Equally important is keeping your knife sharp—use a dull blade and you’ll end up with nothing but bruised herbs and mangled meat on your cutting boa...